Keifer's POV
I gripped my phone tightly. I had just received a message from Rory.
From: Rory
Message:The Section E building is scheduled for demolition. We need your help.
Why are they demolishing the building? What is Angelo doing? Why is he allowing this to happen? I was about to reply when someone called out to me.
"Hey, Newbie! No phones while working!"A man shouted at me.
I've been in the CEO's office for almost a week now, and for that same week, they've been calling me "Newbie." Clyde may have given me a job, but that bastard seems to be messing with me.
"Three copies of this."Another man said, handing me a few sheets of paper.
I took them and walked over to the photocopy machine.
This is bullsht!* I'm just a photocopier, a coffee maker, a presentation assistant, a financial report reviewer, an errand runner for meetings, a note-taker, and a visitor to business partners or company investors. That's all I've been doing every single day. On top of that, I'm still trying to learn the ins and outs of the company—aside from marketing and other business affairs. This is intern work, or what newbies in the company usually do. But this isn't what I want.
After photocopying, I approached the man at his desk and handed him the papers.
"Here."I said, and he arched his brow.
"Don't know how to use a stapler?"he asked sarcastically in his deep, harsh accent.
I sighed. I grabbed the stapler from his desk and meticulously aligned the papers in front of him, never breaking eye contact.
"This is how you use a stapler."I said, as if teaching a child.
One by one, I stapled the papers and handed them back to him. I forced a smile before putting the stapler down—otherwise, I might've stapled his face instead.
I returned to my spot in the corner of the room—a small, old desk that looked like it had been chewed by termites, paired with a swivel chair that probably belonged in the Jurassic Age.
I checked the wall clock and saw it was break time. I quickly grabbed my phone and rushed to the fire exit, dialing Rory's number.
["Keifer!"]He nearly shouted.
"What do you mean by demolition?"
["We don't know either. They just said the building is scheduled for demolition. Sir Alvin is still negotiating with them."]
"I'll look for someone who can help us with this."
["Forget the demolition for now. Damn! Jay-jay's cousin, Angelo, is badass!"]He suddenly sounded excited.
"What about Angelo?"
["One punch was all it took to make Mykel cry like a baby!"]
My forehead creased."What? I don't understand."
["Oh right, you don't know yet."]He then recounted everything that happened, leaving out no details—including Mykel hurting Jay-jay.
"Fvck that bastard!"I said, loosening my necktie."Where's Jay-jay now?"
I'll fvcking break Mykel into pieces. How dare he touch my girl!
["She's with her brother. I think they went to the hospital because Aries is there."]
"Thanks, Rory. I'll try to come back."I said, ending the call.
I punched the wall. I didn't know the school would target them after I left. Why did Angelo let this happen? What is he doing? Or does he have a plan? Since when did he become so careless?
They need me.
I stepped out of the fire exit and walked toward the elevator. I need to go back to the Philippines. They have no one else to rely on but me. They need me.
"Newbie! Where do you think you're going?"
I glared at the man who called me out, then raised my middle finger as the elevator doors closed. I jabbed the floor button so hard it nearly broke.
I yanked off my necktie and unbuttoned my collar, struggling to breathe from the anger.
Come on, Keifer, relax!
How the fvck am I supposed to relax? Jay got hurt by Mykel. She didn't fight back. She didn't even land a single punch. That's not the Jay-jay I know. I won't let her lose. If she can't fight, I'll fight for her.
As the doors opened, Clyde's face greeted me, along with some of his employees and assistants.
"Why are you here?"he asked, arching a brow.
"Get the fvck out of my way!"I shouted, and they slowly moved aside.
I stormed off with long strides, heading straight to the parking lot, where my driver and bodyguard met me.
"Mr. Keifer?"
"Hotel. Now!"I said, getting into the car.
I clutched my phone tightly. I wanted to call Yuri, but I knew he couldn't do anything. He can't interfere anymore—his family wouldn't be happy if he risked his position again.
I don't know about Percy. He has nothing to do with our school. Besides, he's only there for his half and step-siblings.
Then who? Who else should I call?
The fraternity crossed my mind, but I'm not a member yet, so I have no right to ask them for help.
When we arrived at the hotel, I rushed straight to our suite. Keiren was watching TV when I walked in.
He stood up when he saw me."Kuya?"
"Later, Keiren."
I went straight to my room and into the walk-in closet, grabbing a backpack from the floor. I stuffed in a few clothes and zipped it up. As I was leaving, Keigan blocked my path.
"You're leaving?"he asked in shock.
"Just for a while. I'll be back as soon as possible."
I tried to walk past him, but he snatched my bag and threw it aside.
"You are not leaving."he said, shoving me lightly.
Never mind.
I'll leave with nothing but my wallet and passport.I was about to walk past him when he stopped me by grabbing my phone from my pocket.
"Give it back."I commanded with authority.
"This is the reason why you're acting like this. You don't want to leave your problems behind in the Philippines!"
"Leave my problems in the Philippines? Maybe you've forgotten that our lives are still there!"
"Maybe you've also forgotten that you have a fight to face here! Kuya! This fight isn't just about your inheritance. It's also about our rights in this family."
I haven't forgotten. But what he's asking for isn't possible either. His tone only made me angrier.
I stepped closer and pointed at his face."I don't, Keigan, but don't ever ask me to do such a thing!"
He pushed me hard."You're not leaving! Face your problems here!"
Damn it!
He held up my phone."This is your only connection to them. You won't get it back unless you do your job."
I grabbed him by the collar and slammed him against the wall. My fist clenched, ready to strike—but then I saw his eyes.
He didn't look away, even knowing my fist could hit him at any moment. His gaze was lifeless, yet filled with determination to challenge me.
This isn't the Keigan I know.
"Go ahead! Hurt me!"He smirked."Show me how selfish you are."
I took a deep breath, glanced away, then slowly lowered my fist.
"Let me guess. This is about that Jay-jay girl, isn't it?"
I stayed silent, holding out my palm for my phone. I didn't want to lash out at him. I know he's been helping me from the start, and this isn't how I should repay him.
"My phone."
He faced me again, still holding it, and shook his head.
"No. I'm not giving this to you, and you're not leaving this country. Even if you try, I'll stop you—by hook or by crook."
He pocketed my phone and pushed past me, bumping my shoulder as he walked away. I knew he wouldn't let me leave, even if I tried to escape.
I sighed and punched the wall.I have to leave this country. They need me now. I can't just abandon them like this.
No one will stop me.
Keigan may have my phone, but he doesn't know about my secret one. I pulled it out from under the mattress and dialed a number.
"Mr. Moskovosky?"I said as he answered.
["Mr. Watson. Your private jet is ready. I also have an available pilot for you."]
I smirked."Thank you. I highly appreciate it."
["No problem. Thank you for purchasing from us again. Since this is your second transaction, we'll give you a special freebie."]His tone carried a devilish smile.
I didn't like the feeling it gave me.
"Thank you, Mr. Moskovosky."
I ended the call and typed a message to Edrix.
To: Edrix
Message:This is Keifer. My phone has been compromised.
He responded immediately.
From: Edrix
Message:I'm shutting it down.
I sat on the bed, removing my shirt. I knew Keigan was waiting for a chance to take my phone, so after our argument, I immediately called Mr. Moskovosky and made the deal. I bought a private jet because I couldn't travel through the international airport. I also copied my friends' numbers.
For now, I couldn't leave yet. But I'd get my chance—sooner or later. Maybe tomorrow, or the next day. I'd let Keigan think he'd won. If I acted recklessly, he'd figure out my plan.
I stared at my phone. I wanted to talk to Jay-jay. I wanted to know if she was okay. Something felt off—she didn't fight back or even throw a single punch at Mykel. She's the type who'd keep fighting even if her fists were bruised. That's why what happened was so strange.
If I messaged her about it, she might wonder how I knew. I couldn't force her to tell me her problems either.
Whatever. I'll figure it out.
I composed a message, hoping she'd reply and talk to me.
To: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message:Missing you now. 😚
Just seconds after sending it, my phone rang. Her name flashed on the screen. I sighed before answering.
"Don't speak yet."She said, freezing me in place."...Just listen, please. Just hear what I have to say. That's all I need."
Even if she hadn't said it, I wouldn't have spoken anyway.
"My brother got hurt because of me..."I heard her take a shaky breath."B-because I refused to go through with the arranged marriage they set up for me. But the price was too high. The family that helped me is suffering now. My cousin's reputation was ruined, and so was my brother's."
She started crying like a child—the same way she did when I told her I had used her. That could only mean one thing: she was devastated by what happened to Aries.
I wanted to apologize for not being there. I wanted to hold her and tell her everything would be okay. I wanted... I wanted... I wanted to tell her the truth.
I was about to speak when the call disconnected. She had hung up.
Panic set in—what if she did something reckless?
From: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: Please continue. Tell me everything.
I tried calling her, but she wouldn't answer. My anxiety spiked—what if something had already happened? I kept trying until she finally picked up.
I exhaled in slight relief.
"S-sorry for bothering you... I just had no one else to talk to about this. I feel so weak. I'm unlucky—everything I do is wrong. Everyone I care about gets hurt because of me. Even if they don't say it, I know they blame me."
You're not. You're not a curse. Stop blaming yourself. Yes, sometimes you're a pain in my ass, but because of that, you've crawled under my skin. Into my mind and... into my heart. And you never left.
"I feel so alone. Like I have no one to lean on."
I'm here for you. I've always been here for you.
"I've never struggled like this before, even though I've always felt alone."
Maybe because you've been hit with one problem after another.
"Maybe it's because..."Why?"...Keifer."
Shit!I ended the call in shock. Did she just say my name? Does she know it's me? How? Did she recognize me? No, she couldn't have—I must've imagined it. Her sentence was incomplete, so I thought I heard my name. Damn it! Why am I so scared when just moments ago, I wanted to confess who I really was?
I dropped the phone and rubbed my face with both hands. I was about to call her back when I heard a knock at the door.
I quickly hid my secret phone.
"Kuya."It was Keiren.
"Come in."
He opened the door and walked toward me, an odd expression on his face.
"Can I sleep here? I'm scared of Kuya Keigan."
I stood and headed to the bathroom to clean up.
"It's too early to sleep, but suit yourself."I said before closing the door.
I took a shower, trying to wash away the strange heaviness inside me. I desperately wanted to go home. My mind was a mess—why did our school have to add to my problems? Couldn't they wait until we graduated?
Stupid board members! Once I'm done here, I'll show you who really holds the power.
After showering, I went to the walk-in closet, changed, and returned to find Keiren sprawled on my bed, trying to get comfortable.
"Kuya."He called out."Is it normal to talk to yourself?"
"Muttering a few words is normal."I answered without looking at him.
"What about talking and answering yourself? Is that normal?"
I arched my brow and finally looked at him."You think too much."
He sat up, rubbing his eyes, hesitating before speaking again.
"What?"I asked.
"Can I tell you a secret about Kuya Keigan?"
I nodded, and he leaned in close, whispering into my ear.
"I heard Kuya Keigan arguing with himself. He was talking like there were many people in front of him, but when I looked, it was just him."
What's happening to Keigan?
"M-maybe he was on a call. Probably using wireless headphones."I explained, standing up.
I didn't want Keiren to think his brother had a problem.
"But this isn't the first time, Kuya. I've heard him before. He even said to 'get rid of the girl.'"He insisted.
I paused. Get rid of her? Who?
"Go to sleep, Keiren."
He flopped back onto the bed and pulled the covers over his head. I walked out of my room, intending to find Keigan, but I spotted him leaving the suite.
"Keifer. Have you seen Keiren?"Honey asked, rushing toward me, her eyes darting around nervously.
"He's in my room."
She sighed in relief, but fear still lingered in her expression. I crossed my arms, waiting for her to explain.
"He's here. He checked into the hotel."Her eyes avoided mine.
"Who?"
"Y-your Dad."
My arms dropped to my sides. Rage burned through me, but I couldn't find the words. How did he get in? This place is high-security. I explicitly banned him from entering.
My feet moved on their own, storming out of the suite with Honey trailing behind.
"WHO THE FVCK LET HIM IN?"I roared.
"Keigan's looking into it."
I quickened my pace, unsure who to confront to get him thrown out.
"Where's the manager—?"I stopped mid-sentence when I saw Keigan running toward us.
"You left Keiren alone?"He asked, horrified.
Honey and I exchanged glances before sprinting back to the suite, Keigan close behind, phone in hand.
As we turned the hallway corner, we froze. The bodyguards stationed outside our door were slumped on the ground, unconscious.
"KEIREN!"I shouted, my voice nearly breaking.
When I threw the door open, my heart nearly stopped. Keiren sat trembling on the sofa—facing the monster himself.
"K-Kuya."He called out, shaking in terror.
"Keifer."His voice still sent chills down my spine."You left your little brother behind?"He smirked.
"What do you want?"I fought to keep my anger in check.
Just seeing him tempted me to lose control. My fists clenched, ready to strike.
Damn this!
"Visiting my sons."His gaze flicked between me and Keigan."You've grown taller since we last met."
"If you have nothing to say, leave."I pointed at the door.
He chuckled, shaking his head. "So disrespectful. Is that how you greet your father?"
You don't deserve any respect from me.
"Why don't you sit down? Let's have a little chat."He gestured to the sofa beside him—with a gun.
Honey gripped my arm. Keigan gasped. I kept my eyes locked on him, refusing to show fear.
He truly was a monster. Didn't he care that Keiren was terrified?
"You don't want to? Fine, we'll talk like this."He leaned back, crossing his legs."So, I heard you're training for the CEO position."A bitter laugh."Seems you're more useful to me than your siblings."
He pointed the gun at me, pretending to shoot. Keigan, Keiren, and Honey all flinched.
He laughed at their reactions. Keiren cried silently, his eyes pleading for help. I couldn't act rashly—not when Keiren was in danger.
"Tell me, son. Is there anything stopping the inheritance from transferring to you?" His smile turned wicked. "Even your older brother?"
"O-older brother?" Keigan stepped forward. "That's a hoax. A fake rumor."
He laughed. "Maybe. Or maybe not."
Then he stood, moving toward Keiren. I lunged forward, but I wasn't fast enough.
He grabbed Keiren by the hair. My little brother shook violently, still crying silently.
"Take good care of your brothers. Don't let them out of your sight. Who knows what might happen?"He smirked, finally releasing him.
Keigan and Honey scrambled out of his way as he strode toward the door. I rushed to Keiren, pulling him into a tight hug as the monster left.
The moment the door closed, Keiren broke down sobbing.
"Kuya! He's going to take me! I don't want to go with him!"
"No. I won't let that happen."I held him tighter.
Why is this happening to me? What did I do to deserve this punishment?